Melbourne’s tram drivers are about to go from dodging hook turns and wayward pedestrians to performing in front of a global arena, because the World Tram Driver Championship is rolling into town in 2027. Yep, the city with the world’s biggest tram network is finally hosting the competition, after making its debut on the international stage just three years ago.
The announcement came straight after this year’s championship in Vienna, Austria, where Melbourne drivers Sally Burgess and Craig Maher took on 24 other teams in challenges like “tram bowling” and “tram curling”. As they told The Guardian, the events are serious skill‑tests: drivers had to accelerate up to 25km/h without a speedometer, brake on an exact target, and even carry water on the tram without spilling it. Precision levels: brutal.
While Vienna’s home team stole the win this year, Melbourne’s inclusion was already historic. Back in 2022, Australia became the first non‑European country ever to compete in the event in Leipzig, Germany. Since then, interest has only grown — more than 15,000 people turned up in Vienna to watch, with thousands more streaming the whole thing online.
It makes sense that Melbourne’s finally stepping up to host. The city’s tram network is the biggest on Earth: 250km of double track, over 5,000 services a day, and close to 200 million yearly passengers.
Public and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams said the 2027 competition will be a chance to show off just how central trams are to daily life in Melbourne.
“We’re excited to welcome the world’s best tram drivers to our iconic network, and cheer on our Tramaroos in 2027,” she said in a statement.
“This event is more than a competition – it’s a celebration of the people, culture, and innovation that make trams such an important part of our city,” said Yarra Trams CEO Vincent Destot.
As for where the competition will actually be set up, Yarra Trams hasn’t let it slip yet. But with Vienna’s event packing out city streets with tens of thousands of spectators, it’s safe to say Melbourne’s installment probably won’t be tucked away on some quiet Brunswick backstreet. And when it does arrive, the spotlight will be firmly on the Tramaroos!
Lead image: Getty
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